Bankruptcy & Debt Relief

Because we do some bankruptcy work for clients and we assist clients with debtor or creditor issues, we are required by Federal Law to provide the following notice: This law firm qualifies as a Debt Relief Agency under Title 11 of the Unites States Code. We assist people with excessive debt, collection pressures, foreclosures, evictions, and credit defaults. In some cases that may involve filing for bankruptcy relief under the United States Bankruptcy Code.

When you are overwhelmed with debt, it’s difficult to know what to do next. Your natural anxiety over your situation is made worse by harassing phone calls, bill collectors and wage garnishment.

Being in this situation is not only stressful, it’s embarrassing. You don’t know where to turn for credible, practical help.

At the Hawkes Law Firm, in Shoreline, Washington, we help people get relief from their debt burdens. In many instances, filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be the best option. However, there are alternatives to bankruptcy, and our lawyers take the time to help clients understand all their options.

Alternatives to Bankruptcy

Alternatives to bankruptcy can include debt settlement, consumer credit counseling, deed in lieu of foreclosure and debt workout agreements. Our lawyers will review these alternatives with you and discuss the pros and cons of each.

Types of Bankruptcy Filings

Chapter 7: This type of bankruptcy eliminates your unsecured debts, such as credit cards and other unsecured loans. Secured loans, such as home mortgages and car loans, sometimes but not always require you to give up the security — your house or your vehicle — in order to wipe out the debt.

Chapter 13: This type of bankruptcy filing is known as a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. It is an alternative for people who do not meet the means test required to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Also known as a “wage-earners bankruptcy,” Chapter 13 allows you to reorganize your debt, prevent repossession and give you time to pay your creditors.

Our attorneys thoroughly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these actions. We discuss how bankruptcy will affect your credit rating, your ability to buy a home or obtain a car. We talk about debts that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, such as most student loans or child support. In short, we give you all the information you need to decide how to obtain debt relief and better cope with the situation you are in.